Shave, pluck or laser? The best way to tackle facial hair
What is it with the ageing process and the sneaky sprouting of facial hair? Not fair. With magnifying mirrors to the fore, let’s consider solutions to this quandary.
I’m sure you’re familiar with the old chestnut that if you shave the hair on your face, it will grow back thicker. Well, it’s a myth – the hair might feel a bit thicker because it’s been cut in the middle, rather than the tapered tip. However, if you opt for shaving, it needs to be done frequently. Look for a tool that is designed for the face such as CheekyGlo Dermablades ($25).
As tempting as it can be to pluck unwanted hair with tweezers, try to resist.Credit: Getty Images
Threading is another option for removing hair from the follicle, and it’s good for dealing with peach fuzz. The process results in longer-lasting smoothness, but it can be painful and cause irritation and redness.
As tempting as it can be to pluck unwanted hair with tweezers, try to resist. This is especially true for nostril hairs as pulling them out by the roots can lead to bacterial infection.
A better option is an epilator that plucks multiple hairs out by the roots, but it’s pretty high on the ouch-meter. For a pain-free alternative, try depilatory creams that work by dissolving the hair near the surface of the skin but not right down to the root. Look for a dedicated formula such as Nair Prep & Smooth Face Hair Remover ($29).
Electrolysis, which destroys the growth centre of each hair with either chemicals or heat, is effective but also time-consuming and can sometimes cause scarring. During this procedure, a fine probe is inserted into the follicle, allowing a chemical or heat to destroy it. Electrolysis removes hair permanently and is good for small areas such as the upper lip, but it needs to be done by a professional.
My preferred method for the upper lip has to be laser hair removal for its permanent effects. There are a few limitations, though. For a start, it’s far more effective on darker hair, as the laser specifically targets pigment. So it might not work as well if you have blonde, light brown, red or grey hair, or if your skin is dark. It usually takes about 10 treatments of 10 minutes’ duration.
Another permanent hair-removal option is a series of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments. This method works similarly to laser hair removal but an IPL device uses a different wavelength of light to achieve results and includes the added benefit of treating unwanted pigmentation and redness in the skin. Again, it works better on lighter skin with darker hair, though this time it’s possible to do it yourself at home. Consider the Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 IPL Long Term Hair Removal Device (reduced to $579 on sale).
ASK STEPH
Where are the best places to wear blush?
The power of blush should never be underestimated. Spots such as the apples of the cheeks are traditional, but I also love it worn as an eyeshadow and – my latest obsession – dusted over the bridge of the nose. Our blush du jour? Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush, $79.
Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.
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